8 Photogenic Tricks Meghan Markle Has Memorized

by Allyson Payer

Given her career as an actress before her entry into life as a duchess, Meghan Markle has had lots of time to hone her looking-good-in-photos skills. While her days of posing on a red carpet might be over for now, she’s still photographed at length almost every time she exits the house (or palace, in her case). In fact, there are currently almost 400 pages of photos of Markle on Getty Images. So it goes without saying that she's a good person to study if you want to pick up a few photogenic tricks. I’ve done quite a few stories on her since she became engaged to Prince Harry, and I will say that there are very few bad photos of her, which isn’t something that can be said for every celebrity. She clearly knows what she’s doing.

Markle’s savvy photogenic skills range from how she holds her head to how big she smiles to what she wears, and I did the research to pull the universal tips to keep in mind the next time you’re faced with a camera (or, more likely, an iPhone camera). Keep scrolling for the Markle-tried-and-tested tricks and to shop flattering styles she swears by.

Trick #1: Always Smile (But Not Too Big)

Photo:

Samir Hussein/WireImage

Markle's smile is undeniably gorgeous, but it's clear that she makes a conscious effort to not smile too big, as it can appear forced.

On Meghan Markle: & Other Stories shirt; Hugo Boss skirt

Trick #2: Relax

Photo:

Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage

Taking a few deep breaths works for some people, while others need to hold something in their hands to avoid feeling awkward. Whatever works best for you, just try to relax and act natural.

On Meghan Markle: Emilia Wickstead dress

Trick #3: Practice a Supermodel Stance

Photo:

Lars Niki/Corbis via Getty Images

You'll often find models like Kendall Jenner posing with one hip cocked slightly to the side and the opposite leg pointing out. It's a subtle pose that helps to elongate the body.

On Meghan Markle: Misha Nonoo dress; Gianvito Rossi shoes

Trick #4: Tilt Head Down and to the Side

Photo:

Getty Images

How you hold your head is of the utmost importance when lenses are snapping, and Markle can often be found tilting her head down and slightly to the side, which is always a good angle.

On Meghan Markle: Givenchy dress; Aquazzura shoes

Trick #5: Maintain Perfect Posture

Photo:

Anwar Hussein/WireImage

Perhaps due to her royal grooming, Markle's posture is impeccable these days, and it pays off in photos.

On Meghan Markle: Dior dress; Stephen Jones hat

Trick #6: Wear Solid Colors

Photo:

Karwai Tang/WireImage

Bright, solid colors really pop on camera (and get all the Instagram likes).

On Meghan Markle: Jason Wu dress; Dior clutch; Aquazzura shoes

Trick #7: She Leads With the Ring

Photo:

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

You might have noticed that Markle likes to put her hand out (with that huge diamond ring) when she's walking, whether she realizes it or not. The takeaway is that if you have an accessory or jewelry piece you want to show off, it certainly won't hurt the photo.

On Meghan Markle: Altuzarra Acacia Blazer and Serge Pants; Deitas blouse

Trick #8: Wear Waist-Cinching Pieces